Happy International Women's Day 2018!
Happy International Women’s Day! To say this is my favourite day of the year is a complete understatement. All day I was surrounded by 60+ women who committed an hour of their time today to bettering themselves. I love every moment I share with my clients as I see them push outside of their comfort zones and accomplish new things. I love having the opportunity to provide my clients with the space to learn something new about themselves when they come to class. So today, in honour of those moments of learning and progress in my classes, I have put together my list of things that I have learned to help me along as I strive to be the best woman I can be.
1. Family matters. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. My mom has been and continues to be the most ideal female role model. She is confident in her own skin and speaks up to share her opinions always. She sticks up for what she believes in. My brothers and my dad continue to support me in all of my endeavours and have pushed me to be my best, regardless of my gender or what the aspiration was. I know I can seek support or guidance from my family at any point and know they will be there for me.
2. Close friends are essential. It wasn’t until I finished university and have been officially in the working world the past few years that I have been forever grateful for the close-knit group of friends I have. I was never the girl who had a million and one friends and I am so happy for that. The girls (and some guys) I have in my life are always in my corner no matter what. I can go to them for advice, a shoulder to cry on, a good laugh, and even a few enjoy baseball as much as me!
3. Boys aren’t that important. Now although these are lessons I said I have learned, I must admit this one I am still learning. I love being alone and having quiet time. I don’t think I want this single life forever but I am still having to constantly remind myself, and be reminded by others, that guys aren’t always worth your time. I am thankful that I have so many other amazing pieces to my life that are going well for me that I don’t need to get too hung up on this always. My career is truly my passion and the day I find someone who understands that and respects me for who I am is the day that I maybe agree to compromise my all work (and some small amounts of play - again, usually for the Blue Jays!)
4. One woman’s success doesn’t mean that you have failed. I am all about #womensupportingwomen. My goal is to lead women on a path of self-discovery through fitness. The other professionals I am surrounded with often have values that align with mine and so I try to support them in as many ways as I can. Whether it is sharing about their events with others, attending classes or workshops, or chatting about our struggles or success, I want to be there for my fellow females. Just because we are proud of someone else’s accomplishment, doesn’t mean we need to question ourselves or compare. Everyone is doing their thing, on their terms, in their time.
5. Community is everything. The communities I have created at all of the studios and gyms I teach at and the growing Discover You community mean the world to me. I love getting to know my clients on a deeper level than just how long they can hold a plank for. My purpose for Discover You is to allow opportunities for women to connect, learn, and grow alongside and from one another. I see the commitment you have to me - waking up early, Friday night workouts, etc - and know that I am just as committed to each and every one of you. Without you, Discover You cannot be the powerful female force it is becoming.
“To tell a woman everything she cannot do is to tell her what she can.” - Spanish Proverb
Be fierce. Be strong. Be vibrant.
Rachel
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